CSTC — Automotive Mechanics — Trade Test Level 3

Course purpose

This CSTC course provides a structured pathway in Automotive Mechanics — Trade Test Level 3, combining instructor-led teaching, workshop demonstrations, supervised inspection/maintenance, diagnostic case studies, knowledge checks and portfolio evidence. Advanced level: integrate diagnostic evidence, specification-led reasoning, risk prioritisation, repair verification, estimates and professional handover.

Intended learners

CSTC learners following the automotive trade-test pathway. Complete workshop induction, secure vehicles before work, follow the manufacturer’s procedure, use authorised equipment and stop work if a vehicle or task may be unsafe.

Learning outcomes

• Apply workshop and vehicle safety procedures
• Identify vehicle systems and use service information
• Inspect, measure and diagnose within authorised scope
• Perform supervised maintenance/repair tasks
• Record findings, defects, verification and handover
• Communicate findings, defects, limitations and improvements in a job record.

Curriculum structure

1. Advanced engine diagnosis and management: Engine management, sensors/actuators, diagnostic data, emissions concepts, compression/pressure evidence and specification-led tests.
2. Transmission, driveline and chassis systems: Transmission symptoms, electronic control, differential, bearing diagnosis, braking systems and stability-control concepts.
3. Automotive electronics and precision testing: Wiring diagrams, network communication, power/ground/reference signals, voltage drop, instrument accuracy and verification.
4. Quality systems, preventive maintenance and safety: Maintenance strategy, defect triage, technical bulletins, tool control, environmental compliance, quality and release approvals.
5. Capstone diagnosis, estimation and technical leadership: Root cause, repair options, parts/labour estimate, customer communication, quality verification and professional reporting.

Delivery and assessment

Observed workshop safety, system-identification task, inspection/diagnostic case, practical work record, knowledge checks and integrated service/diagnosis portfolio.

• Diagnostic questions and safe-work induction.
• Formative checks, inspection tasks and diagnostic cases across the units.
• Integrated service/diagnosis activity with plan, execution, verification and handover.
• Formal trade-test/certification decisions must use authorised criteria; course completion alone is not a formal TEVETA award.

Equipment and resources

Approved training vehicle/component models, workshop tools, manufacturer service data, PPE, authorised diagnostic equipment, job cards, inspection sheets and approved fluid/waste containers.

Workshop safety and responsibilities

Secure vehicles using approved procedures; use rated lifting equipment and stands at approved points. Respect hot, pressurised, fuel, battery and moving-part hazards. Safety-critical defects must be escalated and the vehicle held out of service as instructed. Do not return vehicles to service if required checks have not been completed or a safety-critical issue remains unresolved.

Results and progression

Course participation, practical competence and formal examination results are separate records. Results remain Pending / not supplied until an authorised result is received.

Curriculum alignment notice

Content provenance: CSTC-developed material, not a verbatim copy or claim of TEVETA endorsement. Before formal assessment, instructors must map outcomes, diagnostic tasks, practical standards and assessment methods to the current TEVETA-approved curriculum/chart, manufacturer references and centre procedures.